Catch a Wave: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Rafting Trips

Each summer Colorado’s more than 150 rivers swell with snowmelt runoff and create some of the country’s best whitewater waves. Whether you are a novice paddler or well-practiced rafter, chances are you will be tempted to put-in at least once this season. Rapid intensity varies–even along the same river–so to keep angling for the best current instead of heading for shore, check the class descriptions and latest water updates before launching. To help narrow your choices, we searched out three different rides, based on class, to get you on your way.

The trip starts with free-flow and easy ripples before heading to moderate waters, with just a smidge of class III rapids so it doesn’t seem like a float. Commercial trips are a great family-friendly option.

You will start with some short stretches of class II water to warm up your muscles before forging through Class III and IV rapids on your way back to Idaho Springs. Clear Creek is popular, so plan to embark in the wee hours or book an organized trip well in advance.

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Johnson & Wales students, all baking and pastry arts majors, competed in the Gingerbread Takeover from December 6–8. Final judging took place on Thursday in the lobby of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. All photos by Sarah Boyum

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The American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) Colorado Chapter decorated the Governor's Residence for the holidays. Holiday tours, free and open to the public, will take place December 8-11 and December 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All photos by Sarah Boyum